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Heir Apparent at Berkshire Hathaway: Warren Buffett's Eldest Son

Howard Buffett, Farmer, Philanthropist and Volunteer Deputy Sheriff, Is Slated to Take Over as Berkshire Hathaway's Next Chairman

Howard Buffett is a farmer, philanthropist and volunteer sheriff. He is now also tapped to take over Berkshire Hathaway when his father, Warren Buffett, passes away. WSJ's Anupreeta Das discusses her interview with the next head of Berkshire. Photo: Bob Stefko for The Wall Street Journal

DECATUR, Ill.—Howard Buffett's cellphone rang one recent afternoon to the tune of a Rolling Stones hit. "Start me up," he answered. The sheriff of Macon County, Ill., was on the line.

Hours later, the eldest son of investor Warren Buffett was patrolling the streets here in his hometown in a bulletproof vest with a Glock 22 .40-caliber pistol strapped to his hip, fulfilling his duties as an auxiliary deputy sheriff. Already...